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Clinical Medical Assisting Program

Session begins Monday, January 7, 2019

Program Mission

The mission of the Clinical Medical Assisting (CMA) program is to prepare students to function as professionals in multiple healthcare settings. Medical assistants with a clinical background can perform various clinical tasks including assisting with the administration of medications and with minor procedures, performing an electrocardiogram (EKG), obtaining laboratory specimens for testing, educating patients and other related tasks.

This four-month evening program consists of 140 hours of classroom instruction at Penn State Hazleton.

Individualized clinical practice, up to 160 hours, follows the classroom instruction and is coordinated by Condensed Curriculum International (CCI).

CMA Program Overview

The purpose of the Clinical Medical Assisting program is to prepare students to assist physicians by performing functions related to the clinical aspects of a medical office This course covers the following key areas and topics:

Cardiology and the proper placement of leads when taking a 12 lead EKG

Note: Students who complete this comprehensive course would be prepared to sit for the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) national certification examination.

Education Information

Clinical Medical Assistant student should have or be pursuing a high school diploma or GED

Students are required to complete 140 hours of classroom instruction

Students have the option to complete up to 160 hours of clinical practice under the coordinator of Condensed Curriculum International (CCI)

Clinical practicum begins immediately after coursework is completed. Students will work with the clinical coordinator to create an individualized experience.

In addition to facilitating entry-level clinical medical assisting related positions, this course is ideal for students interested in pursuing a future formal Certified Medical Assistant (CMA), Nursing (LNP) or a Nursing (RN) program.

Course Topics

The following detailed topics are covered throughout the Clinical Medical Assisting program:

Responsibilities of the clinical medical assistant and introduction to healthcare facilities

Medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, circulation of the heart and blood vessels

Care and safety of patients, medical and legal aspects of care, confidentiality and HIPAA laws